Speeding driver jailed for killing man on pavement

A speeding driver has been jailed after mounting the pavement and killing a "brilliant, kind and generous" pedestrian in Birmingham.

Shanise Hussain, 27, was driving an Audi A3 on Great Hampton Street on 21 July 2024 when she lost control of the vehicle, hitting two passers-by.

Maurice Middleton, 68, died at the scene, West Midlands Police said, with a second pedestrian suffering minor head and hand injuries in the incident.

Hussain of West Drive, Handsworth, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court and sentenced to four years and six months in prison on 3 September.

Prior to the crash, police said the 27-year-old was driving at speeds of 48mph (77km/h) on a 30mph (48km/h) road.

Hussain had swerved around a second vehicle which had moved in front of her Audi, but she accelerated on to the wrong side of the road and hit the central reservation before striking both pedestrians.

She remained at the scene to assist with inquiries and was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving, officers said.

Damage was also caused to a parked vehicle, they added.

Hussain was additionally disqualified from driving for eight years and three months.

Paying tribute, Middleton's family described him as a "brilliant, kind and generous man" who was loved by everyone that he met.

"His death has completely shattered us a family. He was our rock; our king and he is truly loved and missed so much every day," they added.

"Maurice was the centre of our family, the glue that held us all together and that is why his death has completely devastated us because it has left such a big hole in our hearts that nothing and none can ever fill."

Det Sgt Richard Evans said the force's thoughts were "first and foremost with the victim's family", who had been supported by specially trained officers.

"I would take this opportunity to remind all road users of the responsibility they carry every time they get behind the wheel. The decisions made in a moment can have life-changing consequences for many people," he added.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.